As a Toronto Realtor, I meet people from all different parts of life; some with manners and some without. In any industry and in life in general, we have unfortunate encounters with people who simply have no filter and what comes out of their mouth are shocking and difficult to respond to.

My mother always taught me that it’s not right to handle rudeness with more rudeness because you are pretty much lowering yourself to that person’s level. My dad, on the other hand, always taught me that you don’t let people walk all over you and if you need to put them in their place, you do just that. {Thank You Dad!} I’ve had to hold myself back from responding to rude people my entire life. It’s just something you can’t escape. I’m from the Caribbean and as my hubby likes to say, I’m a little fire cracker. So, it’s REALLY difficult for me to bite my tongue especially when dealing with people who have no remorse. BUT, as a professional Realtor, I have learned that there are other ways of dealing with rude people which maintains your

So, between my mother teaching me that being rude to a rude person is not right and my dad teaching me to stand up to people, here are a few comments to respond to people when they seem to have left their manners at home:

“Excuse me, but did you actually just say…”

“So sorry, I wasn’t listening. Can you repeat that?”

“Well, I think we’ve reached the end of this conversation.”

“You don’t really expect me to answer that, do you?”

“You’re kidding, right? Hold on. You are kidding, right?”

“Ouch. Did you mean to be that rude?”

“Help me understand why you think that was an appropriate thing to say–and why you think I should answer you.”

“Thank you. We’re all refreshed and challenged by your unique point of view. “

I am at a point in my career where I refuse to work with anyone who lacks manners and respect for people. Some of us may not be in a position to turn away business, at the same time, if that person is causing you stress and you find yourself moaning and groaning when you have to meet them, you need to ask yourself, is it really worth it? That is your call to make. But if it is worth it, the commission on that deal better help you retire early! ;)

How do you deal with rude people? It’s hard to ignore them, so how do you mange to be the bigger person in a conversation when your head is screaming to tell this idiot off!?

With Love | Nikki xo